Volatile aroma compounds in wines from Chinese wild/hybrid species

The volatile aroma compounds in wines produced from Chinese wild/hybrid species were investigated in comparison to wines from European grapes. Volatiles were extracted by headspace solid‐phase micro‐extraction and identified by gas‐chromatography/mass‐spectrometry. The identification of analyte was performed by a combination of the linear retention index approach with the comparison of the obtained mass spectra. A total of 98 peaks were tentatively assigned as wine aroma components, and 15 odorants can be found at concentrations above their odor threshold among the odor activity values (OAVs) of 46 compounds evaluated in all of the wines. The “OAVs’ aroma wheels” showed that the classes of aromatic series are first fruity, next herbaceous and roasty and no spicy and caramelized notes. Via principal component analysis, all the grape germplasm studied could be divided into four groups: “Jingsheng‐1,” “Cabernet Gernischt,” “Beibinghong,” and others, which exhibited distinctive aroma features, respectively. Practical applications Chinese wild grape species have many desirable properties for wine grape breeding such as possessing strong resistant genes to fungal diseases and cold condition, especially after hybridization with European grapes. As an emerging wine country, wines from Chinese wild/hybrid species have achieved much success in the last few years. The chemical content and biological properties have been studied extensively in many but there are a few studies in our knowledge about the wine tastes of these species. In this paper, the key odorants in wines produced from the Chinese grape species of V. amurensis Rupr., V. davidii Foex., and V. quinquangularis Rehd. and its hybrids were characterized in comparison to wines produced from European grapes (V. vinifera). The findings will help to the further understanding of the key aroma components in the different Chinese grapevine germplasm, and make further efforts to enrich the wine types in the marketplace.     

Phenolic Compounds,Volatiles, and Sensory Characteristics of Twelve Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) Cultivars Grown in Turkey

The paper reports the phenolic, anthocyanin, and volatile compounds and sensory characteristics of 12 cultivars of sweet cherries including cvs. Belge, Bing, Dalbasti, Durona di Cesena, Lambert, Merton Late, Starks Gold, Summit, Sweetheart, Van, Vista, and 0–900 Ziraat. Eight individual phenolic compounds were determined by the HPLC‐DAD method. Among these cherries, cvs. Bing, Durona di Cesena, and Lambert contained higher levels of total individual phenolic compounds than the other cultivars. Six anthocyanins were detected in cherries and cyanidin‐3‐O‐rutinoside was principal and it was the highest level in cv. Bing. The major volatiles found were 1‐hexanol, (E)‐2‐hexen‐1‐ol, benzylalcohol, hexenal, (E)‐2‐hexenal, and benzaldehyde. Sensory evaluation of the cherries showed that cvs. Belge, Bing, Dalbasti, and Summit have higher textural and flavor scores than others. It was concluded that the same compounds for phenolic or volatiles profiles of sweet cherries were similar in qualitative; however, quantitative differences were observed in these cultivars.     

Aroma Characteristic and Volatile Profiling of Carrot Varieties and Quantitative Role of Terpenoid Compounds for Carrot Sensory Attributes

The aroma characteristics and volatile profiles of 14 carrot varieties were investigated by sensory evaluations and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry volatile analyses. The sensory map obtained by principal components analysis showed that the sensory attributes comprised 3 categories: sour/green, overall carrot/harsh/ink‐like, and fruity/fresh/sweet. The Kuroda type is characterized by lower intensities of overall carrot/harsh/ink‐like and fruity/fresh/sweet notes. Furthermore, volatile profiling indicated that this type did not have significantly higher amounts of volatiles. Partial least squares regression analysis determined the quantitative contributions to ink‐like, harsh, and fruity carrot aromas; monoterpenes had significant positive correlations with these attributes, while bisabolene isomers had negative correlations. The aroma attribute intensity and contents of volatiles and nutritional compounds are relatively low in the Kuroda type than in other carrot types. This type may be useful for reducing carrot harshness during the development of new carrots with good eating qualities.     

Quantitative analysis of flavour volatiles detects differences among closely related traditional cultivars of tomato

Volatile compounds with a major contribution to aroma have been quantitatively determined in four traditional tomato cultivars and one commercial F1 hybrid. One of the traditional cultivars was the most appreciated for flavour and overall acceptability in tests performed using a panel of 30 untrained tasters. The same cultivar showed significantly higher contents of hexanal and cis‐3‐hexenal volatile compounds, which have been previously reported to be two of the most important contributors to tomato flavour. On the basis of a small number of fruits per cultivar, significant differences among very closely related tomato cultivars can be detected for volatile aromas, thus allowing the use of the determination of volatiles as a possible tool in tomato breeding programs, making even the selection of single plants possible. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Volatile constituents of roasted tigernut oil (Cyperus esculentus L.)

BACKGROUND: Volatile compounds play a key role in determining the sensory appreciation of vegetable oils. In this study a systematic evaluation of odorants responsible for the characteristic flavour of roasted tigernut oil was carried out. RESULTS: A total of 75 odour‐active volatiles were identified. From these, 13 aroma compounds showing high flavour dilution factors in the range of 16 to 128 were quantified by their odour activity values (OAVs). On the basis of high OAVs in oil, the following aroma compounds [vanillin (chocolate, sweet vanilla), 5‐ethylfurfural (caramel, spicy), 2,3‐dihydro‐3,5‐dihydroxy‐6‐methyl‐4H‐pyran‐4‐one (caramel), phenyl acetaldehyde (honey‐like), ethanone, 1‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl) (faint vanilla)] were elucidated as important contributors to the overall chocolate, sweet vanilla, butterscotch aroma of the oil. CONCLUSION: Odorants with high concentrations in the roasted tigernut oil such as 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural, ethyl hexadecanoate, n‐propyl‐9,12‐octadecadienoate gave relatively low OAVs, so their contributions to the overall orthonasal aroma impression of roasted tigernut oil can be assumed to be low. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Volatile composition and sensory quality of Spanish pomegranates (Punica granatum L.)

BACKGROUND: Pomegranate is highly valued for its health‐promoting effects. Fruits of nine pomegranate cultivars were analysed for volatile compounds, antioxidant activity and quality parameters, including maturity index and CIEL*a*b* colour. Volatile compounds were isolated from fresh juices using hydrodistillation; extracts were analysed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Fruit colour was influenced by cultivar and grouping of cultivars according to their taste (sweet, sour‐sweet or sour), with sweet fruits having more intense red colour and higher lightness values. RESULTS: A total of 18 compounds were found in pomegranate aroma profiles, including monoterpenes, aldehydes, alcohols, monoterpenoids and linear hydrocarbons. The most abundant compound were trans‐2‐hexenal, 3‐carene, α‐terpinene and α‐terpineol. The total concentration of volatiles ranged from 1.7 to 10.9 g kg^?1. Overall consumer liking of pomegranate juices was associated with the presence of monoterpenes such as α‐pinene, β‐pinene, β‐myrcene, limonene and γ‐terpinene. The presence of aldehydes such as hexanol, hexanal and cis‐3‐hexenol was correlated with poor overall consumer liking. CONCLUSION: Fruits from the cultivar Mollar de Elche 2 were those most suited for juice processing because they had the highest total concentration of volatiles, which was related to high overall consumer liking, intense and acceptable fresh pomegranate odour and flavour (high scores of satisfaction degree), medium intensity of red colour and low sourness. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of roasting on colour and volatile composition of pistachios (Pistacia vera L.)

Pistachios have been roasted following the Iranian traditional method (soaking in salty water, drying and roasting at 135 °C). Three Iranian pistachio cultivars (Ahmad Aghaei, Akbari and Kaleghouchi) were compared for their volatile compositions, colour and odour intensity. Lightness decreased in the course of roasting, which resulted from Maillard reaction. Raw pistachios had lower concentrations of most volatiles than roasted. A total of twenty‐six compounds were detected in roasted pistachios; these included aldehydes, terpenes, alcohols and only two pyrazines and one furan. These mixtures of volatiles implied that the Iranian roasting system is very soft, and samples retained most of the vegetable notes from fresh pistachios and some roasted notes were generated as well (from 2‐ethyl‐5‐methylpyrazine and 2,6‐dimethyl‐3‐ethylpyrazine). Sample from cultivar Akbari presented higher odour intensity than those by the other two cultivars, due mainly to higher concentrations of pyrazines developed during the roasting step.     

Identification of key odor volatile compounds in the essential oil of nine peach accessions

BACKGROUND: Volatile compounds, together with sugars and acids, are the main chemical species determining the characteristic aroma and flavor of food. In peach, more than 100 volatiles have been identified. RESULTS: The essential oil of six peach and three nectarine accessions used in Italian breeding programs was obtained by steam distillation, and the volatiles were investigated. A total of 47 known volatiles, two unidentified compounds and nine hydrocarbons were identified, including 12 aldehydes, six alcohols, three acids, three esters, six terpenes, two phenylalanine derivates, two C₁₃ norisoprenoids, one ketone (C₉) and 10 lactones. A wide variation in the number of volatiles and in their concentration was observed among the nine accessions. Twenty‐one compounds presented odor activity values (OAVs) higher than 1 in at least one of the accessions and were therefore putatively considered as key odorants in the peach volatile composition. CONCLUSION: This study reports the identification, quantification and potency, based on the OAVs, of the most important volatile compounds, along with fruit quality characteristics, of nine different peach/nectarine accessions and will help future peach volatile breeding programs for the selection of odor‐rich accessions to be used in the development of new improved cultivars. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of Different β‐D‐Glycosidases on Bound Aroma Compounds in Muscat Grape Determined by HS‐SPME and GC‐MS

Important “floral” aromas naturally occur in grapes predominantly as flavourless glycoconjugate precursors. Since these aroma compounds can be released by hydrolysis, different glycosidase enzymes can potentially contribute different aromas to wines. In this paper, we first established a procedure for profiling the free and bound volatile compounds in grape using GC‐MS combined with headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME). Comparison of the free and bound aroma compounds revealed that non‐volatile glycosides, known as aroma precursors, occur in high concentrations in musts. Among all compounds identified, 11 were fully quantified according to established standard calibration curves, while others were semi‐quantified. Using three different glycosidase enzymes, a total of 38 bound volatile compounds were identified in Muscat grape, including terpenes, higher alcohols, C‐6 compounds, and phenols, among others. The different enzymes had significant effects on the varietal aroma. Principal component analysis indicated that the characteristic aroma hydrolyzed by the commercial enzyme AR2000 was clearly different from that produced by other enzymes.     

Flavour evaluation of three black mulberry (Morus nigra) cultivars using GC/MS,chemical and sensory data

The flavour characteristics of three black mulberry (Morus nigra) cultivars from the Aegean region of Turkey were investigated using GC/MS and sensory analysis techniques. A total of 18 flavour compounds were identified by GC/MS in the three cultivars. Total sugar content varied between 11.3 and 16.2%, pH between 3.60 and 3.80 and total acidity between 1.51 and 1.79%. The sensory assessment indicated that black mulberry has fruity, sweet, sour, musky and woody flavour notes and fruity, acid, musky, leafy and woody‐fresh aroma characteristics. The evaluation of GC/MS and sensory data revealed that ethyl linolenate was the most effective compound contributing to the unique flavour of black mulberry. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Comparing the differences of characteristic flavour between natural maturation and starter culture for Mucor‐type Douchi

In this research, effects of maturation times on volatiles of Mucor‐type Douchi were investigated. Results showed that 2‐year matured sample exhibited higher concentrations of characteristic flavours including alcohols, esters, phenols, ketones and pyrazines. Additionally, effects of starter cultures addition on volatiles were investigated, and results demonstrated that inoculated fermented samples presented higher amounts of aldehydes, ketones, phenols and pyrazines compared with that of naturally fermented sample. Analysis of odour activity value (OAV) suggested that increased OAVs of eight compounds that mainly contributed to the flavour of Douchi ranged from onefold to 6.5‐fold in the Tetragenococcus halophilus, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii and Candida versatilis co‐cultured sample. Furtherly, by comparing the characteristic flavour of co‐cultured and 2‐year matured samples, no significant difference was observed in the OAV of flavour except rose‐like and soapy flavour, which indicated that co‐culture of the three strains during Douchi fermentation may facilitate the formation of flavours and shorten the fermentation process.     

Flavor of tomato and tomato products

Abstract

The characteristic sweet‐sour taste of tomato and its overall flavor intensity are due to the following components: reducing sugars (fructose and glucose), free acids (mainly citric’ acid), their ratio, as well as some volatile substances, not identified so far, and the interplay between the above‐mentioned groups of compounds. Of the minerals, potassium (by influencing the free acid content) and phosphate (due to its buffering capacity) indirectly affect the taste. The effect of the free amino acids (glutamic acid, glutamine, gamma‐aminobutyric acid, and aspartic acid) is not unambiguously proven.

The characteristic tomatolike flavor is predominantly determined by volatile substances. Volatile substances develop partly during ripening, partly during the comminution of the ripe fruit, as an effect of the enzymes activated. Volatile substances characterizing fresh tomato flavor are derived mainly from fatty acids and amino acids. Differences between the flavors of different varieties, the less characteristic, weaker flavor of hothouse‐grown tomatoes or artificially ripened ones, are explained by the different quantitative proportions of the volatile substances. So far no key substance playing a decisive role in the flavor of tomato has been detected. Of the approximately 400 volatile compounds so far identified, several were found, however, which have an important role in the flavor of fresh tomato (cis‐3‐hexenal, trans‐2‐hexenal, 2‐isobutylthiazole, hex‐anal, cis‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol, 2E,4E‐decadienal, 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one, etc.).

In the course of tomato processing the flavor substances undergo substantial qualitative and quantitative change, which may or may not be favorable. Depending on the extent of heat treatment and its duration, the reducing sugar and amino acid content decreases while the acid content (by the formation of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) increases. A part of the volatile substances (mainly those providing “green” smell) evaporates and at the same time—traceable back to the breakdown of sugars and carotenoids—new components, among them those which characterize the “cooked” smell of tomato products, are formed (e.g., dimethyl sulphide, acetaldehyde). Although our knowledge as to the qualitative and quantitative composition of tomato flavor, the factors affecting it, and the effect of certain compounds on it has substantially increased, we are still not in the position to consciously develop the flavor during cultivation and processing. To achieve this further systematic research work is necessary.     

Physicochemical and descriptive sensory characterization of Spanish pomegranates: aptitudes for processing and fresh consumption

Pomegranate fruit and its products are being widely promoted to consumers as healthy alternatives for their daily diet. The aim was to study the main sensory differences among twenty pomegranate cultivars, determining which cultivars have particular flavour or texture notes that could make them more appropriate for fresh consumption or processing. Four clusters grouped all samples, two of them included sour cultivars and two of them included sweet and sweet‐sour cultivars. Cluster 1 (sour) was characterized by having floral, apple, and grape flavour notes and also producing a tongue numbing sensation. Cluster 2 (sour), which included the Wonderful cultivar, had samples with wine‐like attributes. Clusters 3 and 4 (sweet and sour‐sweet) were characterized by having overall sweet, pear and grape notes for cluster 3, and beet, fruity‐dark, fermented, musty and woody flavour for cluster 4.     

Odour‐active compounds in pineapple (Ananas comosus [L.] Merril cv. Red Spanish)

Application of solid‐phase microextraction, simultaneous distillation–extraction and liquid–liquid extraction combined with GC‐FID, GC‐MS, aroma extract dilution analysis, and odour activity value was used to analyse volatile compounds from pineapple (Ananas comosus [L.] Merril cv. Red Spanish) and to estimate the most odour‐active compounds. The analyses led to the identification of ninety‐four compounds, seventy‐two of them were positively identified. Twenty odorants were considered as odour‐active compounds, from which ethyl 2‐methylbutanoate, 2,5‐dimethyl‐4‐hydroxy‐3(2H)‐furanone, 1‐(E,Z,Z)‐3,5,8‐undecatetraene, ethyl 3‐(methylthio)propanoate, 1‐(E,Z)‐3,5‐undecatriene, ethyl hexanoate and methyl hexanoate were the most odour contributors and contribute to the typical pineapple aroma, while the others are responsible for fruity and sweet odour notes.     

Carotenoid content impacts flavor acceptability in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

BACKGROUND: Tomatoes contain high levels of several carotenoids including lycopene and β‐carotene. Beyond their functions as colorants and nutrients, carotenoids are precursors for important volatile flavor compounds. In order to assess the importance of apocarotenoid volatiles in flavor perception and acceptability, we conducted sensory evaluations of near‐isogenic carotenoid biosynthetic mutants and their parent, Ailsa Craig. RESULTS: The carotenoid contents of these tomatoes were extremely low in the r mutant, increased in lycopene in old gold, and higher in tetra‐cis‐lycopene and ζ‐carotene in tangerine. The volatiles derived from these carotenoids (β‐ionone, geranylacetone and 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one) were proportionally altered relative to their precursors. Fruits were also analyzed for soluble solids, sugars, acids and flavor volatiles. Consumer panels rated the r mutant lowest for all sensory attributes, while Ailsa Craig was generally rated highest. Old gold and tangerine were rated intermediate in two of the three harvests. CONCLUSIONS: Several chemicals were negatively correlated with at least one of the hedonic scores while several others were positively correlated with tomato flavor acceptability. The results permitted identification of positive and negative interactions of volatiles with tomato flavor. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Analysis of characteristic aroma of fungal fermented Fuzhuan brick‐tea by gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometry

Fuzhuan brick‐tea is a popular fermented Chinese dark tea because of its typical fungal aroma. Fungal growth during the production process is the key step in achieving the unique colour, aroma and taste of Fuzhuan brick‐tea. To further understand the generation of the characteristic aroma, changes in the main volatile compounds of Fuzhuan brick‐tea during the fungal growth stage were studied by gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometry. The results showed that the content of volatile compounds, especially aldehyde compounds with stale aroma such as (E)‐2‐pentenal, (E)‐2‐hexenal, 1‐penten‐3‐ol, (E, E)‐2,4‐heptadienal and (E, Z)‐2,4‐heptadienal, increased significantly in fermented tea samples. The concentration of terpene alcohols with flower aroma also increased notably during the fermentation process. The compounds with stale and flower aromas in combination with some volatile components of the raw material contributed to the characteristic ‘fungal/flower’ aroma of Fuzhuan brick‐tea. Microbial metabolism during the fermentation process probably played the key role in the generation of characteristic aromatic compounds of Fuzhuan brick‐tea. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Changes produced in the aroma compounds and structural integrity of basil (Ocimum basilicum L) during drying

The influence of drying on the aroma compounds, from a chemical and sensory standpoint, and on the structural integrity of basil (Ocimum basilicum L) was evaluated. The drying methods tested were oven drying at 45 °C, air drying at room temperature and freeze‐drying. The volatile compounds of fresh and dried basil were extracted and concentrated by simultaneous distillation/extraction and analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. In all, 27 volatile components were identified, linalool being the major component, followed by eugenol. The total quantity of volatiles of fresh basil decreased considerably during oven drying and freeze‐drying, whereas air drying of basil at room temperature brought about only small losses of volatile components. The cell damage produced on basil leaves during drying was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. From a sensory standpoint, fresh basil was described as having a fresh, herbaceous and floral odour, while the dried samples had a mentholated, spicy, hay‐like and earthy odour. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of ripening, 1-methylcyclopropene and ultra-high-pressure pasteurisation on the change of volatiles in Chinese pear cultivars

BACKGROUND: Aroma is one important fruit sensory attribute influenced by the volatile constituents related to species, variety and technological treatments. We analysed the variations of volatile compounds in five pear cultivars and investigated their changes related to different pear organs, different ripening stages, 1‐MCP treatment and ultra‐high‐pressure pasteurisation. RESULTS: Considerable variations exist in the quantity of 10 volatile compounds among five pear cultivars. Their levels generally showed an increasing trend when collected at later harvest time in Ya pear. In Whangkeumbae pear, most volatile compounds reached their maximum levels in skin and pulp. After treating pears with 42 µmol L^?1 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP), the levels of volatiles remained basically unchanged or only slightly increased in Ya pear during a shelf life of 21 days. When Huangguan pear juice was pasteurised by using ultra‐high pressure, the levels of volatiles significantly changed during the shelf life. CONCLUSION: The volatile compositions of five different Chinese pear cultivars differ considerably. The levels of these volatiles vary along with ripening stages and pear tissues. A moderate concentration of 1‐MCP could keep the levels of volatile compounds basically unchanged during storage and ultra‐high‐pressure pasteurisation could change the levels of volatiles significantly during the following shelf life. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry